Derek Markie to hand over reins of Association’s secretariat to Natasha Crookes from June 1.
The Toy Retailers Association has confirmed that Derek Markie is retiring at the end of June from running the Association’s secretariat.
Natasha Crookes (pictured) – who has worked for the BTHA for 16 years, most recently as director of PR and communications – will take on the role from June 1, with Derek assisting in the handover process.
Derek has worked for the TRA for 14 years, representing the interests of members in discussions with stakeholders, running the TRA secretariat, fielding media questions and organising the popular Christmas media showcase, Dream Toys.
For a number of years, he ran the annual Awards Dinner and co-ordinated the retail judging of the Toy of the Year awards each year.
Derek commented: “When I was fortunate enough to survive a heart attack in autumn 2003 I did not expect to be able to resume a full scale new commission for my consultancy the following spring. To be able to join such a friendly and supportive industry and team was the encouragement I needed.
“That support has continued throughout the years since and, despite the decline in retail numbers since 2010, it has been great fun as well as challenging.”
He continued: “I am grateful to everyone involved in the Association and its key public event, DreamToys. As they pass into Natasha’s highly experienced and energetic hands, I wish you all every success in the future.”
As well as continuing to work in her part-time capacity for the BTHA, Natasha will take over the administration of the TRA and will organise Dream Toys and the toy retail judging of the industry awards.
She commented: “I am delighted to be able to take over the work of the TRA from the excellent job Derek Markie has done over the years. I look forward to speaking to retail members and working with the excellent team of TRA members, toy suppliers, Bastion and Blackberry Productions that run Dream Toys so well each year, as well as my BTHA colleague, Matt Jones, on the Toy of the Year Awards.”
